Jacob deGrom is nearing a highly anticipated return to the mound, potentially offering a bright spark for the Texas Rangers as the season wanes. The ace pitcher, who has been out of action since April 2023, is about to embark on a crucial rehab assignment this week. This marks a significant milestone in his recovery process after undergoing Tommy John surgery due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
Recovery from Tommy John surgery is a lengthy and strenuous process, often requiring around 14 months for pitchers to return to full strength. DeGrom has now reached and cleared this critical recovery threshold, paving the way for his return to competitive baseball. The timing and success of this rehab assignment will play a pivotal role in determining his ability to rejoin the Rangers by mid-September, as is projected if all proceeds without setbacks.
"My arm feels great except now it's just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?" deGrom expressed, encapsulating both his optimism and the challenging road to recovery he has faced. His upcoming rehab assignment will not only test his physical readiness but also offer an important psychological boost. "You've got your [teammates] in there. You go face other guys, and I think that'll help a little bit," he added, highlighting the competitive element that he has missed during his time sidelined.
DeGrom's imminent return is particularly noteworthy given the circumstances surrounding his departure and the high expectations that preceded his injury. The right-hander signed a lucrative five-year deal worth $185 million with the Rangers prior to the 2023 season. In his brief showing earlier in the year, deGrom impressed with a stellar 2.67 ERA (161 ERA+) and an eye-popping 11.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio over just 30 innings in six starts. These numbers underpin the extraordinary talent and command that deGrom brings to the mound, characteristics that Texas will be eager to harness once more.
The Rangers’ current season has been challenging, to say the least. With a record of 56-68, they find themselves more than 10 games behind in both the American League West and the wild-card races. This significant gap has rendered a postseason berth highly unlikely. Nevertheless, deGrom’s return could still provide a moral uplift and perhaps influence the team's decision-making and preparations looking towards the next season.
MLB rules allow pitchers to go on a rehab assignment for up to 30 days, offering deGrom ample time to regain his form and ensure he is fully prepared for a return to MLB action. If his rehab goes as planned, his presence in the latter part of the season could be invaluable, even if only as a symbol of hope and progression for the upcoming seasons.
As deGrom takes these last pivotal steps toward his return, fans, teammates, and the organization itself will be watching with bated breath. His journey back not only underscores his resilience and commitment but also rekindles aspirations for what he can achieve for the Rangers.
The final stretch of the 2023 season may not deliver playoff baseball for Texas. However, the sight of Jacob deGrom back on the mound, firing his signature fastballs and devastating sliders, will be a welcome return to normalcy and a beacon of what could be a much stronger showing in 2024. For now, the focus remains firmly on his successful rehabilitation, with all eyes set on mid-September for his anticipated return.